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Wealth Builds Minneapolis

Wealth Builds Minneapolis, NAZ’s newest initiative developed in partnership with the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), supports the creation of generational wealth by investing in the financial futures of Northside scholars.

A young Black woman in a purple sweatshirt is writing on a piece of paper while sitting at a table.
A young child wears a hat and looks at stickers on a table
A young child holds an oversized bill
A woman in a striped shirt talks to a man in a green shirt.

What is Wealth Builds?


Wealth Builds Minneapolis empowers youth through financial literacy classes, leadership opportunities, and asset-building investments, while engaging their families with the skills and resources needed to support their scholars’ journeys and build generational wealth . 

Wealth Builds offers tangible opportunities for scholars to invest in their future. Research indicates that young people with college savings of $500 or more are five times more likely to graduate from college than those whose families have not saved.

By combining NAZ's existing programming with financial education and investment opportunities at critical stages in a young person’s life, Wealth Builds positions North Minneapolis scholars to succeed in school and in life.

Wealth Builds Offerings

Wealth Builds Minneapolis combines NAZ’s prenatal-to-professional supports, along with financial education and direct investments at every stage of a scholar’s life. Young people enrolled in Wealth Builds, and their parents and caregivers, are eligible for other NAZ programs, ensuring comprehensive support.

College Savings Accounts (CSAs) are investment accounts for our youngest scholars that empower them to build successful financial futures by helping them kickstart their college savings and reduce future debt. NAZ seeds each account with $500 to help scholars begin saving early.

Scholars can earn access to a $10,000 allocation in an investment fund.  These funds may be withdrawn in adulthood for activities that catalyze wealth generation—such as purchasing a home, covering entrepreneurial expenses, and more—upon completion of key milestones.

These programs and classes help students learn to manage money wisely. Offered during the school day, after school, and in summer programs, these age-appropriate lessons support elementary, middle, and high school students in building strong financial skills over time. Topics include budgeting, saving, banking, credit and debt management, and paying for college. Students seeking deeper engagement can also participate in special opportunities such as investment clubs and stock market simulation apps.

Wealth Builds provides skill-building resources to support scholars’ career exploration and entrepreneurial success. Examples include connecting scholars to internships, job training, and mentorship opportunities. The program also provides support for young entrepreneurs, including business advice, workshops, networking, and connections to shared workspaces.

NAZ provides tools and resources to increase financial management skills and expand access to financial services in the community. This includes free workshops and classes on financial topics for NAZ families.

Parents and caregivers can access supports designed to help them build a financial foundation and strengthen the long‑term well-being of their scholars. These investments allow families to begin to grow assets, reduce financial stress, and create pathways to generational wealth for their families.